About 10:10

10:10 started out a nationwide campaign to unite every sector of British society behind one simple idea: that by working together we can achieve a 10% cut in the UK’s carbon emissions in 2010. It’s developed and expanded since then. It’s now a global campaign, with supporters in 186 countries. And it’s carrying on beyond 2010, since the key message is still the same – we all need to do more to cut our carbon emissions, and a target of a 10% cut in the first year is a good place to start. To learn more and sign up for the campaign go to the national 10:10 website.

Why Bother?

Most scientists agree that unless we act quickly to reduce our use of dirty fossil fuels, humanity will face terrible problems in the years to come due to global warming, sea level rise, and related knock-on effects. Politicians have so far failed to do what needs to be done, so it’s time for ordinary people to step in and show that we’re ready to defend our children’s futures. It’s now or never for the climate. Cutting 10% in a year is a bold target, but for most of us it’s an achievable one, and is in line with what scientists say we need over the next 18 months. By signing up to a 10% target we’re not just supporting 10:10– we’re making it happen. In our homes, in our workplaces, our schools and our hospitals, our football clubs and universities, we’ll be backing each other up as we take the first steps on the road to becoming a zero-carbon society. It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of a huge problem like climate change, but by uniting everyone behind immediate, effective and achievable action, 10:10 enables all of us to make a meaningful difference.“None of us can deal with climate change alone – we have to act together. How can I stop climate change? I can’t. But we can.” Tony Juniper, former Executive Director of Friends of the Earth

The Steyning 10:10 Climate Action Group

Steyning 10:10 aims to make a start right here in Steyning. The idea is to get the whole community thinking about what we can do to cut our emissions – and taking action so that together we can make a real difference. It is aimed at everyone in Steyning, Bramber, Upper Beedingand the surrounding area. It started in January 2010 when a Planning Meeting was held to agree some Objectives and Ground Rules for the Group, and gather initial ideas on where to focus our efforts. Lot’s has happened since then – see the “Earlier on 10:10” section of the Event Page to see highlights of what’s been achieved in a few short years.

Linking up with the Greening Campaign

To maximise our impact, Steyning 10:10 linked up in 2010 with the Greening Campaign, at that time a nationwide initiative to promote action on climate change, led by Terena Plowright from Petersfield. We set up a “Greening Steyning, Bramber and Beeding” campaign – alongside similar initiatives in Thakeham, Henfield, Wallingford and many other communities in the South of England. This provided some helpful structure to the Campaign, and allowed us to draw on the experience of other communities that have taken up the climate challenge. The Greening Campaign HQ in Petersfield is no longer operational, but we’re still going strong and we use the Greening Campaign branding for most of our work because it’s now so well recognised within the area.

Steering Group

A core Steering Group has been formed to help coordinate the Group. It’s made up of: Geoff Barnard (coordinator), Sophie Goodall, Tom and Christine Aubrey, Ronnie Reed, and Mike Croker (treasurer).

Steering Group Meetings are held regularly throughout the year. They are open to everyone, and we normally get 15 or so enthusiasts along to discuss what’s coming up, make decisions on where to focus, and agree who’s available to help out with what. It’s pretty informal – we’re committed, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously – and we rely on the ideas and energy of this group to keep things moving.

If you’d like to come along to Steering Group Meetings, or help out in other ways, do get in touch. We are always looking for more volunteers to join us. Let us know by emailing 1010steyning@gmail.com

Looking back: what have we learned?

Steyning 10:10 has been asked to speak about our experience at a couple of green group get-togethers recently. We put together this presentation to share our achievements, and the lessons we’ve learned. See what you think. It feels like we’ve come a long way – but there’s plenty more to do, and it’s all about reaching out to engage those who’ve not yet got their head around green issues and the changes we all need to make if we’re to tackle climate change.